Advanced Stats: Using VUKOTA To Predict Stats and Finish This Season

By Glen Miller | Sep 24, 2011 | 2:04PM

Share:

In the last post we introduced Hockey Prospectus’ VUKOTA projection system and scrutinized its forecasting skills against the actual results of last season’s Blueshirts squad. While VUKOTA proved somewhat underwhelming in a limited sample I thought it would be interesting to see how VUKOTA pegged this year’s club. Here are the results.

Player

Pos

GP

G

A

Pts

PPG

PIM

GVT

Brad Richards

F

72

28

48

76

9

22

14.0

Marian Gaborik

F

69

27

33

60

8

28

11.1

Derek Stepan

F

79

25

30

55

6

26

8.8

Brandon Dubinsky

F

75

24

30

54

6

78

9.3

Ryan Callahan

F

66

23

26

49

8

47

8.3

Wojtek Wolski

F

67

15

27

42

3

19

6.7

Artem Anisimov

F

72

18

23

41

4

22

6.7

Mats Zuccarello

F

51

10

21

32

2

19

4.8

Brian Boyle

F

70

16

13

29

3

58

5.1

Marc Staal

D

73

6

22

28

2

45

7.3

Dan Girardi

D

71

5

21

26

2

36

7.0

Ruslan Fedotenko

F

62

11

16

26

2

29

3.9

Sean Avery

F

62

8

17

25

2

130

3.3

Brandon Prust

F

68

9

13

22

1

131

3.1

Michael Del Zotto

D

59

5

17

22

2

28

3.5

Mike Rupp

F

64

8

7

15

1

86

1.5

John Mitchell

F

44

6

9

15

1

27

1.4

Michael Sauer

D

66

3

11

14

0

62

4.7

Ryan McDonagh

D

51

2

10

12

0

32

3.4

Dale Weise

F

30

5

5

10

1

42

0.8

Chad Kolarik

F

25

4

5

9

1

24

1.0

Steve Eminger

D

55

2

7

9

0

24

1.6

Kris Newbury

F

28

3

5

8

1

43

0.8

Totals:

246

393

639

60

Name

P

GP

Save %

GVT

Henrik Lundqvist

G

59

0.919

17.9

Martin Biron

G

21

0.908

0.8

Team GVT:

137.6

Let’s ignore the individual stats for a moment; instead we’ll focus on the team GVT value of 137.6. If we recall the post in which we extrapolated GVT into a WAR-type stat, Tom Awad indicated that a GVT value of three was equivalent to one point in the team standings. Dividing 137.6 by three will leave us with 45.9. Also, a threshold team is expected to finish a full slate of games with 50 points. If the Rangers team GVT value of 137.6 equals an additional 45.9 points in the standings over threshold then VUKOTA is projecting the Blueshirts to finish the year with 95.9 points. Keep that in mind for a bit.

As far as individual stats are concerned I am somewhat surprised Gaborik wasn’t projected higher. A 27-goal output would likely be considered a disappointment given his talents and the addition of Richards. Richards meanwhile was forecast to be slightly better than a point-per-game player which makes sense.

Brandon Dubinsky is expected by VUKOTA to virtually repeat his production from a year ago. Depending on how the Richards acquisition impacts his ice time and whether or not Dubinsky skates on the top line with Richards and Gaborik much, a case could be made that VUKOTA’s projection is a baseline for the Rangers winger.

After potting 23 goals in just 60 games, a figure which would prorate to better than 31 tallies in a full schedule, it’s surprising VUKOTA only pegged Ryan Callahan to produce the same 23 goals this season. That might have something to do with the 16 games Hockey Prospectus’ projection system expects Callahan to miss this upcoming year. Of course Callahan plays a physical game, isn’t the biggest of guys and will lie out to block a shot from literally anyone in the game with no fear and yes. All of that can lead to injuries like we saw last year. However, in his first two full NHL seasons, Callahan combined to miss just 6 games. I think it’s just as likely he plays around 75 games and finishes with somewhere between 25 and 28 goals next season as he is to meet VUKOTA’s estimate. We’ll check back later to see who was closer in their predictions.

Another player I think VUKOTA is missing the boat completely on is Artem Anisimov. In two NHL campaigns he has appeared in every game and improved his rookie year offensive production by 16 points in his sophomore year. Yet for some reason VUKOTA presumes he will miss 10 games and record fewer points this year. I actually expect the talented center to further boost his scoring totals and potentially threaten the 60 point plateau. I don’t have any advanced stats to back that supposition up but I do recognize the skill level and his incremental scoring improvement from year one to year two of his career.

I would also expect McDonagh to make more of an offensive contribution than predicted. He will see a lot of ice time on the Rangers second pair; he is a smooth skater; and is a solid passer. I wouldn’t be surprised if he approached 20 points this season given a little PP time.

Now back to the expected 96-point campaign that VUKOTA projects the Rangers to finish with based on GVT. Adam linked to a ratings system devised by ESPN.com and originally explained in articles by Craig Custance and Alvin Chang. In essence, they’ve researched different characteristics of Cup winning teams to find common themes amongst successful playoff clubs. Apparently, at least within the volume of data researched, a team’s record against clubs defined as elite (top eight finishers in the league’s regular season) was most important in achieving playoff longevity. Therefore it is assigned the highest relative value in their system and if you finish with a record of or better than .500 against the “elite eight” you are awarded eight points.

Other stats that matter are goals for (if a team averages better than 2.8 they are awarded another four points), shots for (averaging better than 31 per contest is worth four points in this system) and save percentage (a team SV% of 0.910 or better earns that club two points). Simply tallying all of the points accrued by a team is supposed to help tell how well a team may do in the playoffs. The Rangers finished fourth in the East in this exercise on the “Playoff Power Meter Score.” That can be interpreted to mean the Rangers statistically have a great chance to at least make it past round one and have a fighting chance to make it as far as the Conference Finals if this research (and the projections) is spot on.

Of course none of that matters if the Rangers don’t make it to the playoffs in the first place, right? Well the initial step this system took was to utilize some combination of VUKOTA and AccuScore game simulations to decide the final regular season standings and thus where the Rangers placed both in the East and in the NHL overall. It was also used to calculate how many of the thresholds identified as keys for playoff success a team met and thus was used in the “Playoff Power Meter Score.” I couldn’t find where the math was explained and even if I had I’m not sure I’d understand it well enough to explain it. Regardless this system pegged our beloved Rangers to win the Atlantic, finish third in the East and fourth overall in the league. That projection doesn’t seem to fit the 96-point team though as we determined VUKOTA forecasting for the Rangers.

In actuality it doesn’t. Just last year 13 NHL clubs posted more than the 96 points VUKOTA forecasts the Rangers to finish with this year according to the accumulative projected GVT ratings. That would seem to indicate either Vukota is underestimating New York or AccuScore is overestimating the squad. Either way one of them has to be mistaken.

As for ESPN’s system, I appreciate the intent and can respect some of the research done. It’s probably as good a guess as any right now. But the reality of it is that it is just a guess; an educated one yes but still a guess. We have no way of knowing for sure how well all of the new pieces in Philadelphia will mesh or if Buffalo is really talented enough to finish second in the conference as this system projects or if even Brad Richards can coax another 40+ goal season out of Marian Gaborik.

Advanced stats and projection systems can suggest certain things but not guarantee anything. That’s why they play the games afterall.

If anything I expect this system to be more accurate predicting which clubs will fare well in the postseason when utilizing the actual regular season stats recorded by the clubs this year.

Advanced stats were never meant to do anything other than provide useful new information to the folks running NHL clubs and for the fans that follow those teams. I don’t recommend any manager to run an organization using a spreadsheet. However, advanced stats can help to make important roster decisions, assist with assembling line combinations and in identifying weaknesses of your opponent. They do have their place in this great game of ours.

Remember, the use and development of these metrics is relatively new to hockey. They can and will only get better as we refine them and apply more data to the formulas. Who didn’t like reading the backs of hockey trading cards as a kid? Everyone loves stats and it’s only a matter of time before even the doubters start liking some of the advanced metrics too.

Thanks as always for reading and forgive the rant. I just wanted to clarify my position; I have never advocated for advanced stats to replace traditional methods of player evaluation. I simply happen to know a little about them, find them to be interesting blog fodder and believe they can be a tremendous resource for NHL clubs if used correctly along with being a topic that can generate interesting dialogue among fans.

Remember to give me a follow on Twitter: @Gkmkiller and if you have any suggestions for further topics please email me at gkmkiller@cox.net.

Alain Vigneault on why Raanta is starting, Henrik and more

7:15PM

Share:

Dec 8, 2016; Winnipeg, Manitoba, CAN; New York Rangers head coach Alain Vigneault reacts on the bench during the first period against the Winnipeg Jets at MTS Centre. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Fedyck-USA TODAY Sports (Bruce Fedyck)

Alain Vigneault met with the media in Chicago prior to tonight's game against the Blackhawks (NYR):

On Raanta tonight, "everybody knows that Hank is the guy and he is our number one. At this time Antti's game is a little bit better than Hank and we need to win hockey games and Antti played real well last night and wasn't real busy. This is a familiar spot for him and we felt that it was the right thing to do for the team."

On Raanta playing in Chicago, "I gotta think that he will be highly motivated. He is working extremely hard and playing well right now and for me it made a lot of sense tonight."

More on Raanta, "he has been a good goaltender and I've been very fortunate in my time in New York, Hank has always had some real good people around him, Cam Talbot the first couple of years and then Antti has come in and played real well for us. He does what you want a goalie to do, give your team a chance to win and that is what he has done for us."

Are you disappointed, "of course, you want to play. Antti is playing well. I know that I need to raise my level a little bit. My game is right there, I just need to clean up a few things and be in good shape. Take these days to work a little harder in practice and try to get to the level where I can be and need to be."

When did you find out, "yea, after the game.....you do what is best for the team and Antti is playing well and I understand, of course. At the same time you want to play. It's up to me to try and raise my level and the only thing that I can do is work harder in practice and try to prepare for the next start, whenever that is."

Following Thursday night's win, Kevin Hayes told John Giannone that the Rangers held a team meeting before the game to talk about how tight things are in the standings. (MSG)

Hayes said that there isn't a lot separating first place from last place and that the Rangers are now around 30 games and they are "starting to matter." (MSG)

He said that the Rangers had a pretty good team effort against the Jets, albeit too close at the end, but that they need to play every game like that. (MSG)

Ryan McDonagh said that it's "crazy" that they are starting to talk about playoffs "but it's a good sign with our group."(MSG)

Read More

Share:

Vigneault comments after Rangers' win in Winnipeg

7:37AM

Share:

Jan 22, 2016; Raleigh, NC, USA; New York Rangers head coach Alain Vigneault looks on from behind the bench during the game against the Carolina Hurricanes at PNC Arena. The New York Rangers defeated the Carolina Hurricanes 4-1. Mandatory Credit: James Guillory-USA TODAY Sports (James Guillory)

Alain Vigneault met with the media on Thursday in Winnipeg following the Rangers win over the Jets (NYR):

Do you love 2-1 wins, "I love wins and the score doesn't really matter. I thought that tonight we played a good game. We had a real strong first period, in the second they had a good push and their defense was very active on the forecheck and made it a little more challenging for us. Going to the third we had two penalties to kill, did a real good job there, got a bounce to get us a 2-1 lead. Should have had some bounces in the first, we had some open nets we couldn't cash in on but we found a way to win and that is what counts."

On urgency, "I think that any player or coach or management that is looking at the standings sees the importance of games. Everyone is battling real hard, points are real important and I am sure that Winnipeg felt it was an important game for them. We felt that way and tonight we were able to get the job and now we get on the plane and go to Chicago."

Read More

Share:

The game-winning goal from Kevin Hayes

Dec 8 | 10:50PM

Share:

Kevin Hayes was awarded the Broadway Hat after scoring the game winning goal against Winnipeg on Thursday.

Vigneault discusses injuries before facing Winnipeg

Dec 8 | 7:43PM

Alain Vigneault met with the media in Winnipeg prior to tonight's game (NYR):

On the lineup, "it's going to be a good lineup. Obviously we are missing a couple of key elements but every team in the NHL goes through injuries. Like I have mentioned many times it's an opportunity for other players to step in and have a bigger role. Our D will be the same and we will make a couple of adjustments up front but we will be in good shape."

Will you keep the lines the same, "I don't have an answer right now. We are playing a team that when I look at their lineup and I see two really strong offensive lines. Depending on how the game unfolds we will have our work cut out, lots of speed and skill. I have certain ideas that I would like to do but we have to get out and play and hopefully play well."

Will Grabner and Jensen both play, "yes. Jimmy is still day to day. Grabs got in last night and skated this morning."

Jimmy is out, "he is out, day to day."

Read More

Share:

Jimmy Vesey is OUT tonight against the Jets

Dec 8 | 6:10PM

Share:

Sep 29, 2016; New York, NY, USA; New York Rangers left wing Jimmy Vesey (26) skates against New Jersey Devils left wing Vernon Fiddler (38) during the first period of a preseason hockey game at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports (Brad Penner)

Jimmy Vesey is being listed as day to day by Alain Vigneault and will be OUT against the Jets tonight. (Cyrgalis)

Vesey was riding the bike this morning with nothing on his "hand/arm/wrist." (Cyrgalis)

The need for the Rangers to "dig deeper" every night

Dec 8 | 3:44PM

Share:

Oct 19, 2016; New York, NY, USA; New York Rangers head coach Alain Vigneault looks on from the bench against the Detroit Red Wings during the third period at Madison Square Garden. The Red Wings won 2-1. Mandatory Credit: Andy Marlin-USA TODAY Sports (Andy Marlin)

Over the last 8 games the Rangers have alternated W, L, W, L, W, L, W, L.

In those 8 games the Rangers have 21 goals for, 24 against and are averaging 27 shots per game for and 32 shots against.

The Rangers are 4-5-1 in their last 10 games.

Read More

Share:

Jensen and Grabner to play Thursday night against the Jets

Dec 8 | 2:42PM

Share:

Sep 29, 2016; New York, NY, USA; New Jersey Devils goalie Scott Wedgewood (31) allows a goal to New York Rangers right wing Brandon Pirri (not pictured) in front of New Jersey Devils left wing Blake Pietila (56) and New York Rangers right wing Nicklas Jensen (39) during the third period of a preseason hockey game at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports (Brad Penner)

Nicklas Jensen will make his Rangers debut Thursday night against the Winnipeg Jets. (Cyrgalis)

Michael Grabner will also return to the Rangers lineup after missing Tuesday's game to return to Austria after his grandmother passed away. (Cyrgalis)

Brandon Pirri hasn't picked up a point in the past 10 games, putting only 12 shots on goal, a minus-6 rating and an average of 13:44 per game.

In the past 20 games, Pirri has a goal, three assists, a minus-3 rating, 31 shots on goal and an average of 13:25 per game.

Pirri had four goals and two assists in the first seven games of the season while averaging 11:32 per game.

In late October, Alain Vigneault said that Rangers' management really liked Pirri's release and hands and that he jumped at an opportunity in training camp and has, "come up big for us in a couple of games."

Rick Nash will be out for one week with a groin injury

Dec 7 | 6:48PM

Share:

Nov 21, 2016; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; New York Rangers right wing Rick Nash (61) receives congratulations from his bench after scoring a goal against the Pittsburgh Penguins during the second period at the PPG Paints Arena. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports (Charles LeClaire)

The Rangers have announced that following his MRI, Rick Nash will be out for one week after tweaking his groin last night.

The latest updates on Pavel Buchnevich

Dec 7 | 4:47PM

Share:

Nov 12, 2016; Calgary, Alberta, CAN; New York Rangers right wing Pavel Buchnevich (89) skates with the puck against the Calgary Flames during the third period at Scotiabank Saddledome. New York Rangers won 4-1. Mandatory Credit: Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports (Sergei Belski)

12/8/16 | 11:03PM: Buchnevich was diagnosed with a "protruding disc" at the start of his rehab. (NY Post)

12/7/16 | 4:46PM: Vigneault said on Wednesday, "he is continuing the process of the rehab. Right now they feel that he probably needs some more time improving his strength level until they really start gearing him up on the ice. They are working on off-ice stuff, they feel he needs more time so there is no definite timetable. The strength needs to improve before they can really push him on the ice."

On Buchnevich, "I haven't talked to anyone today because we didn't go to the practice facility, but I am pretty sure that he continued his rehab and if I haven't heard anything then things must be on the right track."

Do you have a return date, "initially everybody was talking about 3-4, we are probably in that 2-3 week range right now."

Alain Vigneault's comments on Pirri, Lundqvist and more

Dec 7 | 4:43PM

Alain Vigneault met with the media on Wednesday prior to the Rangers flight to Winnipeg (NYR):

On Nash, "Nash is getting an MRI as we speak. As we said yesterday he tweaked his groin and they are finding out exactly what the issues are. I'll have a better update on that tomorrow."

On Vesey, "Jimmy hurt himself, upper body related. Would say that he is day to day at this point. He will make the trip.....and I would say that he is going to make the trip (smile)."

On the rush of injuries, "this is just part of the NHL and it is what it is and you deal with it. You get a lot of players at different times that wish they could get more ice time to prove that they could have a bigger role and do more. No better time than the present for us right now. This is a real good opportunity for some forwards here to get some extra minutes. It's an opportunity for our top guys to play a top role and give us some contribution. That is what we will look for tomorrow."

Read More

Share:

Nicklas Jensen called up from Hartford and what he said today

Dec 7 | 3:51PM

Share:

New York Rangers right wing Nicklas Jensen (39) and New Jersey Devils defenseman Andy Greene (6) chase a puck into the corner during the third period of a preseason hockey game at Madison Square Garden. (Brad Penner)

3:46PM: Jensen said today (NYR):

"I was following the game last night and knew that there would be a chance. I think 20 minutes after the game ended Ken called me and said that I was going up."

"I just want to work as hard as I can out there and hopefully use my offensive abilities if I get the chances. Play hard and try to be hard to play against in all three zones."

"I feel good. Our team has been off to a slow start but the last two weeks have been better. Personally I think it's been going pretty good and I am confident and happy and excited to be here."

"It's my first NHL game with the Rangers, I don't know what the plan is. I am ready to go and excited."

Jimmy Vesey is being listed as day to day

Dec 7 | 1:57PM

Share:

New York Rangers left wing Jimmy Vesey reacts to a goal scored by defenseman Nick Holden against the Carolina Hurricanes during the second period at Madison Square Garden. (Andy Marlin/USA Today Sports Images)

12/8/16 | 7:40AM: Vesey's injury is unrelated to a slash he took in the second period against the Islanders, according to Larry Brooks. (NY Post)

12/7/16 | 4:47PM: Alain Vigneault said that Vesey will make the trip but would not confirm if he would play.

Vigneault also said, in a question about Oscar Lindberg, that he had to see if Vesey will be available against the Jets.

Rick Nash is having an MRI today

Dec 7 | 1:56PM

Nov 6, 2016; New York, NY, USA; New York Rangers left wing Rick Nash (61) skates during the third period against the Winnipeg Jets at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Danny Wild-USA TODAY Sports (Danny Wild)

12/7/16 | 4:48PM: Alain Vigneault said on Wednesday,"Nash is getting an MRI as we speak. As we said yesterday he tweaked his groin and they are finding out exactly what the issues are. I'll have a better update on that tomorrow."

12/7/16 1:55PM: Nash is undergoing an MRI today and the team should know more about his status tomorrow. (NYR)

12/6/16 10:14PM: On MSG, Alain Vigneault confirmed Rick Nash's apparent injury, "Rick tweaked a groin so he had to leave the game" and added that he will have more information on his status tomorrow.

Read More

Share:

Rangers Blue Line Podcast: Injuries, Henrik Lundqvist and more injuries

Dec 7 | 12:56PM

Share:

Brian Compton, Adam Rotter, and Nick Licalzi look back at the Rangers' loss to the Islanders at the Barc on Tuesday night, and discuss the Blueshirts' recent spate of injuries that have clearly affected the team's play on the ice. Later, Brian and Nick chat with Tracey Byers from CSN Chicago as the Rangers and Blackhawks are set to square off twice in the next week.

The impact of not scoring on that 4 minute PP in the first period

Dec 7 | 10:14AM

The Rangers had 10 shots on the PP in the first period last night with 9 of them coming on a 4 minute double minor for high sticking.

On that PP, the following Rangers had shots:

Zuccarello: 2 on goal

Pirri: 2 on goal

Stepan: 1 on goal, 1 blocked

McDonagh: 1 blocked

Read More

Share:

Alain Vigneault's comments after the Rangers loss to the Isles

Dec 7 | 8:51AM

Share:

Alain Vigneault spoke with the media on MSG following the Rangers loss to the Islanders:

On the 4 minute PP, "there is no doubt that it had an impact. We had some real good looks in the first period on our PP. Their goalie made some big saves and you need to score those timely goals and we didn't do it tonight. We had the looks, I thought we battled hard, tried to come back but their goalie, without a doubt, was the best player on the ice and we didn't finish on our opportunities."

On Nash, "Rick tweaked a groin so he had to leave the game. Obviously we lost Puempel on a concussion there. We were short a couple of bodies but that is not an excuse, you gotta find ways and we battled hard but just couldn't finish when we had the opportunity."

Read More

Share:

Matt Puempel suffered a concussion Tuesday night vs. Isles

Dec 6 | 10:14PM

Share:

(Derik Hamilton)

10:13AM: Alain VIgneault said on MSG that Matt Puempel has to go through the standard conussion protocol.

Asked if he had any comments on the hit, Vigneault said that he would let the league take care of it.

Vigneault talks lines before playing the Islanders

Dec 6 | 5:33PM

Alain Vigneault met with the media prior to tonight's game against the Islanders and said (NYR):

" we are going with the same lines that we had yesterday at practice. Grabs is not playing, he isn't here, Josh is not going to play also. Same six D we had last game and same four lines."

How are you different without Grabner, "definitely a big factor as far as our speed element. Everybody knows how quick Grabs has been at creating turnovers and jumping on loose pucks, using his speed to back off the opposition D. He has been real good for us shorthanded but that is part of the game. You don't have all your players in every game and we are missing a couple of key elements, that is part of the NHL and we have to find a way to get a good game on the ice."

On Buchnevich, "I haven't talked to anyone today because we didn't go to the practice facility, but I am pretty sure that he continued his rehab and if I haven't heard anything then things must be on the right track."

Do you have a return date, "initially everybody was talking about 3-4, we are probably in that 2-3 week range right now."

Read More

Share:

The Rangers lineup for tonight against the Islanders

Dec 6 | 5:12PM

Share:

Josh Jooris will be a healthy scratch for the Rangers tonight against the Islanders. (Brooks)

Marek Hrivik will skate on the Rangers fourth line with Matt Puempel and Brandon Pirri. (Brooks)

The Rangers want to put more pucks on net

Dec 6 | 12:13PM

Alain Vigneault said on Monday that the Rangers need to put more pucks on net but not at the expense of their creativity.

Vigneault noted that the Rangers are first in the league in scoring but 28th in the NHL in shots on goal per game.

He said that the Rangers have had a high shooting percentage since he has been the coach and that may have to do with getting "better quality shots."

Read More

Share:

Marek Hrivik will make his season debut for the Rangers tonight

Dec 6 | 9:18AM

Share:

Feb 25, 2016; St. Louis, MO, USA; St. Louis Blues goalie Jake Allen (34) blocks the shot of New York Rangers left wing Marek Hrivik (46) during the third period at Scottrade Center. The New York Rangers defeat the St. Louis Blues 2-1. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports (Jasen Vinlove)

Lundqvist said that his game is all about "focus," his "reads" and "decisions" and that the "key for him is not to think ahead and just stay in the moment of that play. (NY Post)

Read More

Share:

Alain Vigneault's comments after practice today

Dec 5 | 3:19PM

Share:

Alain Vigneault spoke with reporters on Monday after practice and said (NYR):

On Buchnevich, "he has been following the program to the letter. Everyone that is working with him right now feels real good about the progression he has made. The next step is taking this to the ice and seeing how he is going to respond. He went alone today and we will see how he responds and hopefully in the next couple of days we can take it to the next level.

Will he make the trip later this week, "I would say no, at this time. I would say no for sure that he isn't going to play. There might be a decision in there as far as bringing him to skate with the goalie that is not playing that day but we will have to see how the next couple of days go."

On today's practice, "we haven't had a lot of practice time lately and the guys had a full day. We were able to work on a few things today, PP, D-Zone coverage and different breakouts we can utilize for different pressures that we are seeing. We got a good days work and a real good game in front of us tomorrow."

Read More

Share:

Michael Grabner will not play against the Islanders tomorrow

Dec 5 | 12:17PM

Share:

(Adam Hunger)

12:39PM: Alain Vigneault says that either Josh Jooris or Oscar Lindberg will be scratched tomorrow. (NYR)

12:17PM: Michael Grabner will not be with the Rangers tomorrow and is traveling home to Austria after his Grandmother passed away. (Brooks)

Marek Hrivik, who was called up, will reportedly skate with Brandon Pirri and Matt Puempel.

Grabner was at practice today but skated on a fourth defense pair with Adam Clendening. (Brooks)

From the Rangers announcement: "Hrivik, 25, has skated in 20 games with the Wolf Pack this season, registering eight goals and nine assists for 17 points, along with a plus-three rating and eight penalty minutes. He leads Hartford in points and shorthanded goals (two), is tied for the team lead in goals and assists, and is tied for second in plus/minus rating in 2016-17. Hrivik has recorded at least one point in 13 of 20 games this season, and he has posted a six-game point streak (Oct. 14 - Oct. 28) and a five-game point streak (Nov. 11 - Nov. 19) this season. He notched two points (one goal, one assist) and posted a plus-one rating in his last game with Hartford on Dec. 3 at Toronto."

Ryan McDonagh said that at times the Rangers got the puck but stopped moving their feet. He said that the Rangers weren't anticipating the play or thinking fast in the first two periods. (Rangers Game Note)

Read More

Share:

Mats Zuccarello had a strong game against Carolina

Dec 4 | 6:41PM

Share:

Dec 3, 2016; New York, NY, USA; New York Rangers right wing Mats Zuccarello (36) during a break in action against the Carolina Hurricanes during the second period at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports ( Adam Hunger)

Mats Zuccarello had two points yesterday against Carolina, his first multi-point effort in nine games.

He had two assists, a plus two rating, 3 shots on goal, 1 shot attempt blocked and one giveaway in 19:18.

Zuccarello said that he felt he played better and that he "had to." (Nettavisen)

He said that the way he played against the Hurricanes is how he has to play and that "I must try to play that in every game." (Nettavisen)

What Alain Vigneault said after the Rangers win over Carolina

Dec 4 | 9:05AM

Share:

(Jerome Miron)

Alain Vigneault met with the media following the Rangers win over Carolina (MSG):

"I would say that I think the first couple of shifts of the game that I liked. The third, when the game was on the line, I liked. There was a four minute stretch that I liked and everything in-between, because there are some kids in the room here, I'm not gonna tell you what I think of those moments. We found a way in the third period when the game was on the line to play our best hockey and get two points. We will take it and get ready for the next game."

Read More

Share:

What the Rangers did differently in the third period

Dec 3 | 4:41PM

Share:

Dec 3, 2016; New York, NY, USA; Carolina Hurricanes goalie Michael Leighton (32) looks up at the replay as New York Rangers left wing Chris Kreider (20) and his teammates skate to their bench after a goal during the third period at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports ( Adam Hunger)

Alain Vigneault listed the following things about what changed for the Rangers in the third period of today's game (MSG).

He said that the Rangers "started to:"

"skate"

"move the puck"

"make a couple of plays with the puck"

"made a couple of plays defensively"

"Drove the net"

"scored a couple of goals"

Derek Stepan said that the Rangers started to do good things in the third, such as "shooting the puck," generating second opportunities and maintaining zone pressure. (MSG)

Read More

Share:

Kreider nets two in the third to lead Rangers 4-2 over Carolina

Dec 3 | 3:28PM

Share:

GEICO SportsNite: Rangers on win00:01:12

Alain Vigneault and Derek Stepan talk about the Rangers turning it on late with three goals in the 3rd period to beat the Hurricanes.

After answering the first question about that particular game, Vigneault was asked again if he felt it was a consistent issue and said "I do think that there were portions of the last games where we have been spending too much time in our zone."

He added, "we will take a look at it and try and fix it."

Derek Stepan said that he didn't have an answer for why this was happening and questioned whether it's structure related, "bad reads or a combination of things." (NY Post)

Vigneault said that the Rangers know all of the different scenarios and situations they may face in the neutral zone and said "we have analyzed them inside and out, we know how to beat them, we know the execution that is needed. We just need to execute better."

He talked about making the right kind of play with the puck such as a direct pass, putting the puck into an area where you can skate into it or just chipping it deep.

Adam Rotter: These teams that trap can be beaten and it shouldn't take a Herculean effort from Rick Nash to make it happen. There is no doubt that teams are out to limit the Rangers speed and, for the most part, they have been able to do so lately. If it all comes down to simple passes, simple plays and dumping and chasing to win on a certain night then that is what the Rangers have to do. If they can grab a lead and then handle the pressure being placed by the opposition then they should be in good shape to win most games. If they can't then it's very possible that the inconsistent and frustrating Rangers of last season could return.

Alain Vigneault announced earlier today that Henrik Lundqvist will start against the Hurricanes on Saturday. (NYR)

He stopped 26 of 28 shots against Carolina on Tuesday in the Rangers win and 30 of 34 shots on Thursday against Buffalo.

Lundqvist said that the goals scored against him on Thursday were "flukey" and he said that he felt he played a strong game, made a lot of "good saves" and felt that he was moving and tracking the puck well.